Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Portugal's Presidential Election: Key Facts
Portugal is having a big vote to choose a new president.
The current president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, can't run again because he's been in office for two terms.
The new president will be chosen by the people.
If no one gets more than half of the votes, the top two candidates will have another vote on February 8.
There are five main people running.
One is from a party that wants big changes, another is from a business-friendly party, one is from the socialist party, one is a retired navy leader, and one is backed by the main ruling party.
The new president will have important powers, like being able to call new elections or stop new laws if there's a crisis.
Portugal is holding a presidential election on January 14, 2024, with a possible runoff on February 8, 2024.
The current president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, cannot run for a third consecutive term.
A candidate needs more than 50% of valid votes to win the election.
Five main candidates are running, each with different political backgrounds and promises.
The president has significant powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament and call snap elections during crises.
- Who
- Portuguese voters
- What
- Presidential election
- When
- January 14, 2024 (with possible runoff on February 8, 2024)
- Where
- Portugal
- Why
- To elect a new president as the current president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term
- Election Date
- January 14, 2024
- Runoff Date (if needed)
- February 8, 2024
- Current President
- Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
- Voting Requirement
- More than 50% of valid votes to win
- Candidate Age Requirement
- Over 35 years old
- Candidate Signature Requirement
- At least 7,500 supporting signatures
- Main Candidates
- Andre Ventura, Joao Cotrim de Figueiredo, Antonio Jose Seguro, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Luis Marques Mendes